Last year, Suruchi Phogat emerged as a dominant force in world shooting, securing an impressive haul of five gold medals and one bronze. However, a year later, the young athlete has come to a profound realization: there is a significant cost associated with winning too much. The Haryana shooter, who began her senior shooting career as an undeterred and fearless competitor, is now grappling with the understanding that shooting encompasses far more than just securing victories.
The Initial Success and Its Impact
Suruchi Phogat's journey started with remarkable success. "When I started last year, I didn't fear anything. I knew only how to shoot, without worrying about the results or success or failures," Suruchi revealed. Her exceptional performance at the National Games, where she won gold, and her consistent gold medal triumphs at various World Cups made winning feel like a natural and expected outcome. This early success shaped her mindset, teaching her primarily how to win.
A Turning Point in Her Career
The turning point came when Suruchi faced setbacks at major competitions. "But it changed when I couldn't win a medal at the Asian Championships last year, then the World Championships and national championships also went without a medal," said the 19-year-old shooter. These experiences, particularly her recent performance at the women's 10m air pistol match at the Asian Shooting Championships, where she missed the podium, instilled a sense of fear in her. "Me not winning medals at these meets instilled some fear in me," Suruchi admitted candidly.
Navigating Fear and Pressure
Despite this newfound fear, Suruchi distinguishes it from overwhelming pressure. "It isn't the pressure where I feel my heartbeats increasing while shooting or getting sweaty hands. I have been made conscious that there are things riding on medals and that feeling somewhere changes the process," she explained. This awareness has made her more conscious during competitions, altering her approach to the sport without causing physical symptoms of stress.
A Desire to Return to Fearlessness
Suruchi expresses a strong desire to reclaim her previous mindset. "I wish I can get back the mindset that I had last year. I want to be that Suruchi again, who didn't think about anything and was fearless," she said. This longing highlights her journey of self-discovery and the challenges athletes face in maintaining mental resilience amidst fluctuating performances.
Training Independently
In addition to her mental evolution, Suruchi has also made changes to her training regimen. "I train on my own. I had Suresh Kumar as my coach earlier, but we haven't spoken for a long time. If I get stuck anywhere, I discuss it with the national coaches," she shared. This shift to independent training reflects her growing self-reliance and adaptability as she navigates the complexities of elite shooting.
Suruchi Phogat's story is a testament to the evolving nature of athletic careers, where victories and losses both contribute to personal growth and a deeper understanding of the sport's true essence.
